To dip or not to dip

Today I am going to share my recipe for what I call dipping oil.
You know when you go to an Italian restaurant and they give you bread with a plate of seasoned olive oil? I make my own at home.

You need to have a glass container with a pour spout. You will need more or less of the seasoning depending on the size of your glass container.

Fill the glass container 3/4 full with olive oil. You need to leave room to add the seasoning. I usually mix my dry ingredients in a measuring cup with a spout so that I can just pour it all in together. It will be messy if you do it spice by spice.  I have learned my lesson on that one! The opening and neck of the type of glass container you want to use tend to be very small.

For the dry seasoning add:
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of ground pepper
2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes (more or less depending on how spicy you like it)
2 tablespoons of DRIED minced garlic. Do not use wet garlic
2 tablespoons of oregano
1 tsp of garlic powder
1 tsp of garlic salt

Add this mixture to the oil. Put in more oil to fill the container. Let it stand for a few days and if you remember, shake it up a few times a day. You can tweak the spices to your liking. The longer it sits, the more flavor it has. If you find it too spicy you can pour some of it out and add more oil, or if you need more seasoning, don't be afraid to add it.

I use my seasoned oil not only to dip bread, I use it to season vegetables when I don't want to use butter. You can use it to season steak or pork chops. You can use it on salad. I am sure you could think of other uses for it.

It also makes a great hostess gift if you are going somewhere. They have beautiful glass containers everywhere. You can make it personal by finding a container that has designs on it that your hostess has interest in or that matches her decor. You could also add in some of those little dipping plates. It makes a nice gift. I find it much more personal than just bringing a bottle of wine.  Sure you can buy this type of oil already made in stores but wouldn't you rather make your own? It is so simple.